Black Queer Representation in Media

Pitch Perfect , released in 2012, has become a cult classic for its edgy humor, catchy song mashups, and over dramatic plot. Although it is popular within the queer community, it has come under fire by fans and critics alike for its portrayal of queerness. Although it is best known for the queerbait relationship between Beca and Chloe, the only character that is explicitly a lesbian is Cynthia Rose, a butch Black woman who makes predatory comments towards the other women in the group. Within the movie, lesbianism is the butt of the joke whenever it is mentioned or alluded to. Before Cynthia Rose is out as a lesbian in the group, Amy, another member, makes jokes about Cynthia Rose's perceived queerness. Although Amy is correct in her assumption, it is implied that Cynthia Rose is perceived as the lesbian in the group because of her masculinity, which is only heightened because she is a Black woman. “This depiction of the “mannish” lesbian flows into perceptions of dark-skinned, big...

     “Where’s the Representation? Black & POC Queer Media” was a video created by YouTuber Jay Theo in 2022. In it, he explains his issues with the racial representation in queer media and how there is a lack of BIPOC centric stories. He feels that the current representation for queer stories does not actually show realistic friend groups and communities.       His first point is about queer romance in the media and how it always is white centric. The majority of queer couples in TV and movies have partners that are both white, especially in the most popular and well known queer media. Examples of this include Heartstopper, Young Royals , Carol, Call Me by Your Name, and The L Word. Even in stories that may involve a BIPOC main character or love interest, the person they are set up with is white. I have noticed this as well in most new TV shows and movies. Examples of this include The Owl House with Amity and Luz, Our Flag Means Death with Stede ...